Tuesday, November 22, 2011

THE ARTIST (A-)

Bottom Line: In black-and-white and with no sound (aside from music), THE ARTIST is a gimmick movie – but a gimmick that’s delivered with shockingly effective results. Brought to us by a French director and two French lead actors, this slimmed-down, charming, captivating and whimsical ode to old Hollywood entertains with gentle touches of humor, romance and showmanship. Yes, the music might be enough to lull some to sleep but this is a treasured look at yesteryear that’s one of the frontrunners for Oscar today!


Rated: this film has not yet been rated
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller and John Goodman
Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius
Running time: 100 minutes
Story: Hollywood 1927. George Valentin is a silent movie superstar. The advent of the talkies will sound the death knell for his career and see him fall into oblivion. For young extra Peppy Miller, it seems the sky's the limit - major movie stardom awaits. The Artist tells the story of their interlinked destinies. (The Weinstein Company)

Trailer: http://weinsteinco.com/sites/the-artist/  

2 comments:

gman said...

You used the word appreciate. I did admire, but enjoy, not particularly.

The look obviously jumps off the screen. It's a wonderous experience on that level.

But the story is pretty flat. I think Scorsese got wrapped up with his tool box of toys and forgot how to bring the characters to life.

I could see it, but I couldn't feel it.

gman said...

Totally refreshing.

It also proves that an effective film should be able to tell a story without sound.

Does it deserve the best picture prize?

I'll leave it up to old and new Hollywood.